Parenting Classes in high school

Banned-mandamary · #1 February 15th, 2005, 10:00 AM

I was just wondering how you all think about this. My old high school has just recently started a teen parenting class and they asked me to go in and talk to the girls and guys about the struggles of being a teen parent, but I really dont see the use because I think that these teens are not going to think about the struggles of parenting when they are being pressured by thier hormones to have sex. What do you all think?

*~Lissa~* · #2 February 15th, 2005, 12:13 PM

I agree with what you said. Teens having a parenting class doesn't make them not want to have sex it makes them think 'it won't happen to me' that's it or they simply don't care

mamaB · #3 February 16th, 2005, 08:35 PM

I dunno. Its true that some won't listen or care. But just look at the whole AIDS education initiative - it had an impact. Just read a recent stat how what used to be thousands of HIV + cases in San Fran is now down to just a couple hundred - and the same corresponding reversal in full blown AIDS cases. Sometimes when you talk about risks and consequences, people listen. Not everyone, but some. And that means you've helped at least one person, which is a good thing. I don't think the goal need be that everybody hears what you say and agrees - only that some might pause and consider it. It's worth a shot. And I'm sure coming from someone like you - aka, not a 45 year old teacher who had kids at age 34, but a real teen parent - has more credibility and therefore influence.
Good luck!

Fallen2Love · #4 February 17th, 2005, 07:59 AM

The school I went to in 10th grade, they had an Early Childhood education class. i'm not sure it was morly targeted for parenting to prevent sex. or whatever. But, a servey the school did in that class, from day 1, and the last day. The results said they'd wait or more likely to use birthcontrol optitions. The class had the babys that you have to carry around, at the time top of the line technology --- so they said. The braclet with the key, could only come off by being cut, and it was cut you automatically got a zero on the assignment. The teacher programed them to cry every 3 1/2-5 minutes, all day and night. They had the dolls for a week [including the weekend]. The doll could also tell how nurturing you were, it could feel your touch or something like that. But thats one of the only HS, in my area that has that class. IN NY, where I lived, and some neighboring school districts, its a REQUIRMENT to take a parenting class with those kinda baby dolls, every year.

Fallen2Love · #5 February 17th, 2005, 07:59 AM

sorry double post

dingledine · #6 February 17th, 2005, 03:16 PM

I had a parenting class in hs and although the class itself wasn't helpful really, I am sure it was to others. There ARE some kids out there that have no clue. I was always the one who would let my friends know what was OK and what was NOT okay. I wanted to be a counselor when I grew up and I kept myself updated on the facts. It seemed to help them out and when I was older and less carefree I am sure this knowledge kept me out of a lot of trouble. (diseases, pregnancy)

Audrey · #7 February 21st, 2005, 10:37 AM

Well, when I was in high school we had the regular sex ed class, but my Freshman year was the last year we took it. I had the chance to take a doll home for a weekend to take care of. My doll was a preemie, and she would scream and cry at any moment. The "mother" (me) had a hospital band around my wrist that had a special key attached to it. When the baby would cry, I had to put the key in her back and hold it in until she stopped crying. It could take two minutes or as much as 45 minutes. The first night I had her at my house, she woke me up six times during the night. I was still in gymnastics at the time and had to take the baby to the gym with me. I will say that that was pretty good birth control... until I got to college.

Miguelsmommy · #8 February 21st, 2005, 05:06 PM

Okay... I don't think this would help. I believe it would make young men and woman if finding themself in the position that they our pregnant question their ability to parent which is verry harmful could lead to unwanted adoptions and unwanted abortions.

If the school is REALLY worried about teen pregnancy they would provide them with accurate information on desease and how to protect yourself.

Most schools want teen parent horror stories not the truth.

frgsonmysox · #9 February 21st, 2005, 05:37 PM

I think that it would be beneficial. I know that a lot of people will continue to have sex, but I think more people would consider protection. I don't think that anything will stop teens from having sex if they want it. And I think the focus should be more on safe sex than no sex.

mommyofdani · #10 March 3rd, 2005, 10:01 AM

I agree. It isn't going to stop them from having sex, but they might think twice about protecting themselves. If the class helps just a few kids...hey. Then the class worked.